Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Attended Boys’ Sunday School this morning. Visited Thomas Manning Senior and Dr Routh this evening.

The wife of William Harris (late farmer and butcher) is very ill and doctors do not give her much hope.

Very fine morning. Drove Mr Maclean to Hook Norton where he joined Rev Mr Gem (Curate) to go to London. Rosa accompanied me. I afterwards drove Bell to Epwell, etc. Harry Shelswell brought his work to me. Miss E Dix, Miss Gibbs and Herbert Gibbs came to tea.

Attended re-opening of Sutton under Brailes Church by Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol.

Harry came home unexpectedly and rather unwell having resigned his mastership in Derby School.

Mr Maclean returned from London. Mr and Mrs Smith and the girls came. The girls to tea, Mr and Mrs Smith afterwards.

Alice Holtom having returned from the Hon. Mrs Hamilton at Pimlico, Mrs Smith asked me yesterday whether she would be able to go to her for a few weeks to do needlework, as her servant who usually does it is ill. As Alice was willing to go I sent Webb to drive her over to Brailes.

Visited David Hone and Jarvis.

Went to Brailes Vicarage to luncheon to meet Mr Hicks Rector of Fenny Compton and his wife.

Smallpox and scarlet fever at Brailes.

Severe storm of thunder and lightning this evening. Harry Shelswell brought his work to me this morning.